What are the cause of respiratory infection?

Ah, respiratory infections, the bane of every winter season. Walking around with a runny nose is not only annoying but can also be quite dangerous if left untreated. So what’s causing all these sneezes and wheezes? Let’s dive into some possible causes.

1. Viruses are Everywhere

The most common cause of respiratory infections is viral infections (‘viruses are everywhere‘ sounds like something your conspiracy theorist uncle would say). They spread through droplets released when someone coughs or sneezes and can stay on surfaces for hours (yuck).

Types of Viral Infections

  • Cold viruses: Over 200 types exist, which could explain why it feels like you always have a cold.
  • Flu viruses (influenza): The flu shot should protect against current strains (but let’s be real, you’ll still get one because Karen from HR said it gave her arm numbness).
  • RSV (respiratory syncytial virus): Common in infants and young children.
  • Coronaviruses: You may have heard of those before…

2. Environment Plays A Role

Climate-controlled environments during the winter months create an ‘indoor bubble.’ Heating/AC units can suck out moisture from already dry air leading to mucus membranes drying up making us more vulnerable to infection (thank god for nasal saline rinses!)

Skyscrapers Can Be A Cesspool Of Ill Health For Your Lungs!

Air conditioning circulating bacteria > higher rate pneumonia (when did I sign up for this corporate gig again?!)

3. Smoking Is An Obvious One (cigarettes=bad)

Cigarette smoke not only damages your lungs slowly over time but your throat as well by reducing ciliary movement that helps keep your respiratory tract clean. It also lowers the immune system’s ability to fight infections; hence smokers are more susceptible to respiratory illnesses (maybe tell grandma it’s time to put that pipe down…)

4. Poor Nutrition

A diet packed with processed foods and little-to-no fruits/vegetables can make us vulnerable to infection because there is a deficiency in vitamins necessary for the proper function of our immune system (Mom was right, veggies do matter!)

Vitamins To Keep Your Immune System ‘Pumped’!

  • Vitamin C: Broccoli, citrus fruit (not juice!), peppers
  • Vitamin E: Nuts/seeds/fish oils
  • Vitamin A: egg yolks/salmon (What kind of fancy nutritionist eats salmon daily anyway?)

5. Age and Preexisting Conditions

Age plays a significant role in susceptibility: elderly adults over 65 years or infants younger than one year old (wait so I’m an age sandwich?) People with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma or bronchitis have weaker lungs making them targets for opportunistic bacteria leading to pneumonia.

The Older You Get The Riskier It Gets!

If you’re between ages of 18-24 no need to worry yet! But if you’re like me,hitting my thirties, (well then what is life even worth anyway?) oh wait did someone say wine?!

6. Physical Activity Can Play A Role?

Moderate exercise boosts circulation which is beneficial when trying not build-up mucus from upper respiratory tract but excessive strenuous activity may increase cortisol levels decreasing immunity.

Work Smarter Not Harder!

Take healthy breaks / midday walks around the office vs trying completing all work at once(remember we’re going for wellness not Elon Musk level productivity here!)

In conclusion, while viruses remain the largest culprit of respiratory infections, avoiding smoking and maintaining a nutritious diet can help in preventing illness. However, we must simplify our expectations about people’s ability to adopt healthier lifestyles with their daily routines (junk food is SOOOO good). So let us all unite under nasal saline sprays and take as much care of ourselves as possible not forgetting that this year has been particularly harsh on health worldwide (2020 was the worst!).

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